I thought I had done everything to protect myself from the first round of germs. I have had the early nights and long walks in fresh air, eaten jars of extremely expensive manuka honey, taken fish oils and flower oils, dosed on vitamin C and gorged on fruit. I have improved my fitness and heart rate and blood pressure by taking regular exercise - and still the dreaded cold bugs get me. IT'S NOT FAIR!The children arrived back this term sniffing and snotting from day one. I suppose I notice it more as I work on a one to one basis with the little dears. I see the yucky fingers being wiped across the nose and then under the table. I get the full experience of an exploding sneeze that often comes without warning and sprays the whole of the working area. (The Curate informs me that the flying droplets are exiting the nostril at a velocity of aproximately120MPH.) What amazes me is that the children seem oblivious to the effect they are creating. Perhaps we should do a school project on this. (mmm .... coloured dyes...possibilities for measuring distance and speed - maths..or art work....!!)
The modern child seems to have little idea of what a tissue (let alone a handkerchief) is for. The new box of tissues in my room is now empty. The children may daintily dab their noses (when asked) but then they will drop the tissue beside them never to be touched again. Others recoil from having to bin a used tissue - even if it is their own. As for arriving with a handkerchief of their own - not a hope. In fact the notion of a cloth handkerchief seems historic to many children. Sleeves, fingers and back of hands are a far better substitute.
I think I should start a campaign - USE THE HANKIE!
(Moaning over.......and I don't feel any the better for it!)
Whisky toddy next.
